By now, you are probably familiar with Toyota’s pioneering electrified vehicle. The Toyota Prius never won any beauty awards, but it gained a huge following among the sustainable crowd.
It was all change a few years ago, thanks to the stunning and sleek fifth-generation model. It was the Prius you never expected. That’s a good thing.
Twenty-five years since its debut in the U.S.A., the Toyota Prius has become a measuring stick for all vehicles with hybrid drivelines. Has it still stood the test of time?
We received a 2025 Prius Nightshade to find out.
The sleek, bold design has been accentuated in this Mustard yellow color. The front end is sharp with two LED headlamp units flanking a narrow grille. The lower grille is framed with a front splitter. The side profile is very contemporary with a narrower glass area, even with a large rakish windshield. The rear end is flanked by a narrow horizontal taillight unit with applique. The beltline is relatively tall, which creates a narrower rearward vision. The hatch opens high for good loading and unloading. 
Our Nightshade tester is based on the XLE trim. It came with a set of black 19-inch wheels to go along with black-finished door handles, front diffuser, and rear trim. There is a dual pane panoramic moonroof with an opening front section.
Inside, the driver is greeted by a fully digital instrument cluster. Taking over the middle is a new eight-inch touchscreen for Toyota’s latest infotainment system. All of the controls should be familiar and in line with Toyota’s current offerings. That includes the shift-by-wire gear selector – something that originated with the Toyota Prius.
Most occupants will find ample space in both front and rear seats. The SofTex seats on our Nightshade tester are supportive and comfortable with power adjustments for the driver. The tradeoff of the lower roofline is less space for cargo – which measures out at 20.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up. You can fold down the rear seats for longer items. 
The hybrid driveline includes a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor. The system’s net output is 194 horsepower. Power is transferred via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission to the front wheels.
Performance was fine. Power take off has improved over the generations, making getting on the highway and cruising at speed easier. It really shines when it is running around town. As far as fuel economy is concerned, we were able to average 47.7 MPG.
The overall ride quality was smooth and confident. Rougher roads do not make any dent on the ride quality. The handling was on the softer side when doing evasive maneuvers.
The turning action is helped by a small steering wheel, which yielded a decent on-center feel and a superb turning radius. The brakes were spot on, with good stops in normal and panic situations. Pedal feel was just right. 
The 2025 Toyota Prius is available in eight trim levels, including four all-wheel drive models. Pricing starts from $28,350. Our Nightshade tester came with a sticker price of $36,338.
The Prius continues to be the default in terms of hybrid vehicles. Yet, its competitors continue to provide robust competition to the Toyota. Those competitors include the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, and Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.
For 25 years, the Toyota Prius has set the standard for vehicles powered by an electrified driveline. Today’s vehicle offers more fun than ever, even in this fun colorway. That is a huge win for the original hybrid vehicle.
